Trump’s cheaper short-term health plans have coverage gaps

By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar Published 1:26 pm PDT, Wednesday, August 1, 2018 Photo: Associated Press Image 1of/1 Caption Close Image 1 of 1 The HealthCare.gov website main page. Some critics have called President Trump’s bargain plans as “junk insurance.” The HealthCare.gov website main page. Some critics have called President Trump’s bargain plans as “junk insurance.” Photo: Associated Press Trump’s cheaper short-term health plans have coverage gaps 1 / 1 Back to Gallery WASHINGTON— The Trump administration on Wednesday cleared the way for insurers to sell short-term health plans as a bargain alternative to pricey Obama-law policies for people struggling with high premiums. But the new policies don’t have to cover existing medical conditions and they offer limited benefits. That may not translate to broad consumer appeal among people who need an individual policy. Officials say the plans can now last up to 12 months and be renewed for up to 36 months. But there’s no federal guarantee of renewability. Plans will carry a disclaimer that they don’t meet the Affordable Care Act’s requirements and safeguards. Unable to repeal much of the Obama-era law, Trump’s administration has tried to undercut how it’s supposed to work and to create options for people who don’t qualify for ACA subsidies based on their income. Recommended Video: Now Playing: Monthly health insurance premiums sold under former President Barack Obama’s health care law will rise by an average of 8.7 percent in 2019, less than the double-digit increases seen in each of the past two years and in other states…. [Read full story]